Estonian health network highlights value of broadband

While it may not often be held up as an example of pioneering technology usage, Estonia has recently provided a prime indication of the power and value of broadband.

The country has implemented an eHealth network at a cost of about €7.50 (£6.70) per citizen.

For its money, Estonia created an electronic health records database that is freely accessible by patients over their home broadband connections.

Almost half (47 per cent) of citizens have already visited the site - one of 3,000 services delivered by electronic means in the country.

Medical practitioners also use the system, with over 95 per cent of Estonian doctors now accessing the digital records on a regular basis.

The scheme has been highlighted by ePractice, a European Commission web portal designed to encourage best practice in eGovernment, eHealth and eInclusion initiatives.

However, Estonian eHealth Foundation CEO Madis Tiik warned against focusing too closely on the cost of the scheme, as he admitted Estonia's small population means it faces fewer challenges when implementing projects on a nationwide scale.